Pastor Stephen H. Bindas
Pastor Stephen Haruna Bindas was born on 25 September 1958 in Amon-bisa, Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. He was a highly revered minister, pioneering division director, and top administrative leader within the global Seventh-day Adventist Church structure until his passing on September 12, 2026.
His extensive career seamlessly wove together a deep commitment to formal education and a powerful calling to full-time gospel ministry, taking him from local classrooms in Plateau State to international leadership roles across West Africa.
Educational Development
Pastor Bindas built a comprehensive academic background that laid the foundation for his teaching and ministerial career:
- 1971: Graduated from SDA Primary School, Jengre, earning his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
- 1981: Attended Government Teachers College, Gindiri, obtaining his Grade 2 Teacher's Certificate.
- 1985: Graduated from the College of Education, Akwanga, earning a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in English/Religion.
- 1992: Earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education, BA(Ed) Religion, from the University of Jos (UNIJOS).
- 1996: Attended Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, at Babcock University Campus to obtain a Master's degree in Religion.
Work Experience
Pastor Bindas' professional life reflected a diverse and steady progression through teaching, medical institutional support, and formal pastoral leadership:
- 1972: Began his professional career after primary school as a teacher at SDA Primary School, Jengre.
- January 1973 – December 1974: Served as a Bible School Instructor in Mangar (Arumtumara).
- November 1975 – September 1976: Served as Registrar at SDA Hospital, Jengre.
- August 1981 – September 1982: Served as an ND Teacher at Amo Community Secondary School, Katako.
- September 1985 – September 1986: Returned to Amo Community Secondary School, Katako, as an ND Teacher following his NCE graduation.
- September 1986 – December 1989: Served as an ND Teacher at Government Secondary School, Zagun-Rukuba.
- January 1990 – July 1992: Taught at Government College, Jengre, completing his time in secular public education.
- August 1993: Answered the call to full-time gospel ministry as an Evangelist and was posted to Abuja as an intern pastor.
- 1996: Became the Pioneer Principal of Hyde Memorial Secondary School, Jengre, and later that year was posted to Jos as the Jos District Pastor.
Spiritual Milestones & Family Life
- Baptism: On 6 November 1971, the late Pastor Sila Rabakaya baptized Pastor Bindas in Katako, cementing his lifelong Adventist faith.
- Marriage: He married Sarah Tita (Koshi) Bindas on 27 December 1987 while serving as a teacher in Zagun-Rukuba. They shared a lifelong partnership in family and ministry.
- Children: Daniel Bindas, the late Alpha Bindas, and Thomas Bindas. They also opened their hearts and home to their adopted children, Dr. Sofi Jemila Thaddaeus and foster daughter Josephine Emmanuel.
- Grandchildren: Favour Remedy Udina Daniel, Ransome Utuchu Daniel, Blossom Atillo Daniel, Jenaya Kunari Thomas, Kevezan Rejoice Thelemahel, Kevezan Redeem Téhillahel, Kevezan Renita Thébalíahel, and Kevezan Fortunate Tediyrahel.
Administrative & Leadership Legacy
Following his foundational years as a district pastor and principal, his academic and administrative strengths propelled him into high-level global church leadership:
- Served as President of North East Nigeria Conference (NENC).
- Became the Pioneer President of the Northern Nigeria Union Conference (NNUC), Abuja.
- From 2015 to 2022, served as the first Director of Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM), Stewardship and Family Life Director, and a Vice President for the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
- Established crucial regional support for individuals with disabilities through his division leadership.
- Retired from active service in 2023 and returned home to Jengre.
Following a protracted illness, Pastor Bindas passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in Jengre, Nigeria. He leaves behind an enduring legacy as an educator, pioneering administrator, and devoted shepherd.